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October 12, 2026

DroidDeck Runs Steam Games on Android Phones Without a PC

DroidDeck differs from Steam Link, GameNative, and Winlator by running games on the phone itself, using FEX to translate x86 PC code for ARM-based Snapdragon chips. DroidDeck also supports GOG, Epic Games, and Amazon Games, installs a Linux desktop mode, Linux apps, emulators, Decky plugins, and LSFG frame generation. DroidDeck is compatible with phones with Adreno 730 or newer GPUs, excluding most Google and Samsung models. To set up DroidDeck, download the APK, install the Linux runtime, adjust developer options, and sign in to Steam.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Asus Googlebook 14 Review: For Android, By Android

Googlebook 14 features Googlebook OS, which is based on Android and incorporates elements from ChromeOS, offering a familiar user experience for Android users. The interface resembles that of Android devices, with home screens, quick settings, and app access similar to smartphones. Integration with Android phones allows users to access apps, notifications, and files directly from the laptop. The "Continue On" feature enables users to pin phone apps to the Googlebook taskbar for easy transitions between devices. However, Googlebook OS lacks support for traditional desktop software, limiting the functionality of Android apps available through Google Play. Google is addressing compatibility issues by labeling apps for desktop use in the Play Store. New features like Magic Pointer, Proactive Suggestions, and Rambler are introduced, but the OS still requires significant improvements in app compatibility and desktop interface optimization. Google has faced challenges in developer support for optimizing applications for Googlebook OS.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Googlebook First Impressions: Android Integration

Early evaluations of Googlebook's Android integration indicated a mixed user experience, particularly in connecting phone applications, notifications, and files to a laptop. The setup involved pairing Android phones via QR code and signing into Google accounts, with features like app casting and task transfer functioning effectively for some applications. However, issues arose with app compatibility, as not all applications transferred smoothly, and desktop controls did not always align with expected behaviors. The Glowbar on the laptop lid indicated battery levels and interacted with the device's functions. Chrome allowed multiple Google accounts but did not keep separate browsing histories or settings. The first models of Googlebook were available for purchase in the U.S. starting October 4, 2026.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Google Pixels could get an all-new way to customize lock screens, for better or for worse

A new lock screen customization page has been discovered in the Wallpaper & Style app on Pixel devices, indicating potential enhancements for users. This page includes buttons for adjusting wallpapers, colors, clock display, widgets, and a new category called “media,” which may integrate media playback functionalities. The current customization options allow users to modify the lock screen and home screen aesthetics, including clock styles, shortcuts, and notifications. The rollout of the Android 17 QPR3 beta raises questions about whether this new interface will improve user experience compared to the existing customization menu. Features revealed through APK teardowns are not guaranteed to appear in the final public release.

Winsage

October 5, 2026

Windows 7’s Aero Shake never disappeared from Windows 11, how to enable it right now

Windows 11 includes the Aero Shake feature, also known as "Title bar window shake," which allows users to minimize all other open windows by shaking the title bar of the active window. This feature is disabled by default and can be activated by navigating to Settings > System > Multitasking. To use Aero Shake, users click and hold the title bar of the desired window and shake it left and right to minimize other windows, with the option to shake again to restore them. Aero Shake was originally introduced in Windows 7 and is designed to enhance productivity by allowing users to focus on their active window without distractions.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

Windows 11’s WinUI lacks a 26-year-old scroll shortcut even Electron has, and a Microsoft veteran only just learned it

A scrollbar shortcut in Windows operating systems, allowing users to jump to a specific location in a document by holding the Shift key and clicking on the scrollbar, has been part of the Windows experience since 2000. This functionality is not available in WinUI, the framework for modern Windows 11 applications. A GitHub issue titled “Shift-clicking in scroll bar should jump to destination” was opened in June, indicating the inconsistency of WinUI compared to other frameworks like Win32 and WPF that support this shortcut. Microsoft is aware of the shortcomings in WinUI and is working on addressing various performance issues and enhancing the overall quality of WinUI applications.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

These 3 popular Windows apps run faster as CLI tools: Here’s how to switch

Windows provides graphical tools for various tasks, but terminal commands can be more efficient. Three utilities that serve as alternatives to File Explorer, Task Manager, and Notepad are zoxide, btop, and bat, all of which can be installed using winget. zoxide is a directory jumper that simplifies navigation through folder structures by learning user habits. It can be installed with PLACEHOLDERf0ff8219c0950297 and requires a line added to the PowerShell profile for activation. Users can jump to directories by typing PLACEHOLDERb9546a80b5ad16aa followed by part of the folder name, and it adapts over time based on usage patterns. btop is a system monitor that displays processor, memory, disk, network, and process data on a single terminal screen. The Windows version, btop4win, can be installed with winget install aristocratos.btop4win. It features live graphs, allows navigation via keyboard and mouse, and provides real-time updates on resource consumption. Users can filter and sort processes and terminate them directly from the interface. bat is a command-line file viewer that shows file contents with syntax highlighting and line numbers, eliminating the need to open Notepad. It can be installed using winget install sharkdp.bat and allows users to view files directly in the terminal. It integrates with Git to highlight changes and manages longer files with a pager for easier scrolling. These tools enhance efficiency for common tasks in Windows by providing quick access and streamlined workflows through the terminal.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Guided Vision launches in Gemini Live, and Google says it is not a white cane replacement

On October 1, Google introduced the Guided Vision feature within the Gemini Live platform, aimed at enhancing the experience for users with visual impairments. This feature provides real-time descriptions of camera focus and verbal guidance for optimal viewing. It is designed to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision, as well as those needing visual support, but is not a replacement for medical devices or mobility aids. Guided Vision offers coaching capabilities, giving users verbal prompts to adjust camera positioning for clearer visuals. Practical applications include reading small print, identifying items, choosing outfits, and understanding unfamiliar room layouts. Google collaborated with Aira to train the feature using extensive real-world data and feedback from blind and low-vision communities across multiple countries. Users can activate Guided Vision on Android devices through the Gemini app, Android accessibility shortcuts, or the TalkBack menu. It is compatible with Android devices running version 9 and above and is available in regions and languages where Gemini Live is supported.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

6 Android Auto Features You Should Use On Your Next Road Trip

Android Auto enhances the driving experience with features that prioritize safety and convenience, including a split-screen option for accessing multiple apps simultaneously. Users can customize their Android Auto settings on their mobile devices. Key features include: - Google Maps' offline maps: Users can download offline maps for areas with unreliable cellular service by selecting "Offline maps" in the app and choosing the desired route section. - Multi-stop planning: Google Maps allows users to add up to nine stops along their route by selecting "Edit stops" after entering a destination. - Trip sharing: Users can share their trip progress with contacts through the "Share trip progress" option in Google Maps. - Audio streaming downloads: Users can download content from music and audiobook services for offline access, with specific features varying by service and subscription level. - Customization of Android Auto features: Users can adjust settings for phone accessibility, media autoplay, and app launcher preferences. - Google Gemini integration: Users can enable Google Gemini for voice commands, allowing for navigation, media playback, and interaction without unlocking the phone. Gemini can also provide weather updates and engage in conversations during drives.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Android Auto’s weather experience is broken, and a raccoon meme isn’t going to fix it

The Authority Insights team at Android Authority discovered a potential feature for Android Auto that includes an animated raccoon providing weather updates. This feature raises concerns about driver distraction, as it contradicts the current design of Android Auto, which emphasizes clear and consistent UI elements for quick information absorption. Accurate weather information is crucial for safe driving, with over 260,000 injuries and approximately 3,800 fatalities occurring annually in weather-related accidents in the U.S. The article suggests that Google could enhance weather information on Android Auto by integrating a weather overlay into Google Maps or providing simple weather updates within the navigation dialog, rather than using an animated raccoon. The need for timely weather updates is emphasized, highlighting the importance of driver safety.